Pay for Time, Not Coffee, at This London Café

You’ve been there—settling into a café with a £3.50 latte, intending to check emails for 20 minutes, only to look up two hours later having worked, snacked, scrolled, and people-watched. For the café owner, this is costly downtime. But what if the coffee were free, and you only paid for your time spent there?

At Ziferblat in London, everything inside is free: coffee, tea, cookies, fruit, and even the use of kitchen facilities. You only pay for the time you’re there—at 3 pence (around 3.8 RMB or 0.038 USD) per minute. That’s roughly 2.30 USD or 1.80 GBP per hour.

How Ziferblat Works

Ziferblat, which means "clock face" in both Russian and German, flips the traditional café payment model. Instead of charging for food or drinks, the London branch lets you help yourself to a range of complimentary items. There’s no minimum stay, and no pressure to buy anything other than time.

When you arrive, you take a clock from the counter to mark your start time. You keep it with you while you’re in the space. Upon leaving, you return the clock, and staff calculate your total based on how long you stayed. The current rate is 3 pence per minute.

What’s Included for Free

The menu of free offerings includes a self-serve coffee station with an automatic machine, a selection of teas, and a snack bar featuring biscuits, fresh fruit, and vegetables. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also use the kitchen facilities to prepare your own meal. Staff are around to help or make you a drink if you prefer not to use the machines.

The idea is to create a café atmosphere where the focus isn’t on what you purchase, but on how you use the space. Whether you’re working remotely, reading, having a meeting, or just hanging out, the essentials are covered without itemised charges.

The Origins and Expansion of Ziferblat

Ziferblat was founded in 2011 by Ivan Mitin, a Russian-born entrepreneur now based in the UK. The concept originated in Russia, where Mitin opened the first location as a community-oriented, time-based café. Since then, the brand has grown to include ten successful locations across Russia.

Mitin brought the model to London, launching the UK’s first Ziferblat with the same pay-per-minute, all-you-can-enjoy philosophy. The brand is now exploring further international expansion, aiming to bring its unique café experience to more global cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to stay at Ziferblat per hour?

At Ziferblat, the cost is 3 pence per minute. That works out to approximately 1.80 GBP (about 2.30 USD or 18 RMB) per hour. There is no minimum time requirement—you are billed only for the exact duration of your stay.

Do you have to buy coffee or food at Ziferblat?

No, you don’t have to buy anything. All food and drinks, including coffee, tea, biscuits, fruit, and vegetables, are completely free. You only pay for the time you spend in the café. You can also use the kitchen to prepare your own meals if you wish.

How do you track your time at Ziferblat?

When you enter, you take a clock from the counter to mark your arrival time. You keep it with you while you’re in the café. When you leave, you return the clock and your total time is calculated. The rate is 3 pence per minute, converted into your final bill.

What is the concept behind Ziferblat?

Ziferblat is based on a time-based business model rather than a product-based one. Instead of charging for individual items like coffee or snacks, the café charges for the time you occupy the space. It’s designed as a community hub where people can work, relax, or socialise without worrying about what they order.

Where did Ziferblat originate and where else is it located?

Ziferblat was founded in Russia in 2011 by Ivan Mitin. The original location and several others remain in Russia, with ten branches currently operating there. The first UK location opened in London, and the brand plans to expand internationally.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Long Cafés

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